2020 Yamaha XMax 300 vs NMax 155 | Is bigger better?

[@billlee536]

Just got my XMAX 2021 yesterday……LOVE IT

[@MotoJournoKris]

Congrats! They are a great machine.

[@StephanoHamez]

I’m in Australia 🇦🇺 so can’t get hold of the Tech Max, however I’ve added to the 2021 version an Akrapovic, sports screen, comfort seat, foot plates, I’m ❤️🥇🇦🇺☀️lovin it.

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

wish tere was a Nmax 300. So much better than xmax in design

[@ufind6048]

Very nice, comprehensive review. I've had an Nmax for a few years (20K km) and taken it on a few longer mountain tours. Very happy with it.

[@MotoJournoKris]

If we got my wife a scooter again it would definitely be top of the list, although I haven't had a chance to test all the competition.

[@markostano5222]

I tried both and NMax is a much more playful and fun scooter. XMax was one big disappointment for me. I was able to stretch my legs at Nmax, it wasn't possible at Xmax, paradoxically worse ergonomics than at Nmax. Definitely NMax for me

[@MotoJournoKris]

Strangely there does seem to be more leg room on the NMax. I liked the extra performance on the XMax but the NMax definitely had the playfulness factor!

[@billystravelogue]

I used to own nmax and now xmax. Exactly what I felt when I first switched bike. After 2 years the xmax started to grow on me. I learn to except it's a different bike. Xmax is more of a cruiser, smooth acceleration, nmax is easy to flip and filter

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

the short leg room was a no go for me.. An Nmax 300 would be do good !

[@KibberShuriq]

By the way, the old NMax (pre-2020) has more leg room than the new one. Part of the reason I decided to not upgrade.

[@Watson2108]

I recently did a two hour testride on the new Nmax. Compared to the Xmax, which I had a go on too, it was a lot more comfortable. I‘m 1,86m and I could stretch my legs out, I couldn‘t do that on the Xmax. 0-50 is very fast, you will dump most cars. Even 0-70/80 is very good. Getting to 100 takes a while but it will get there with some power to spare. My HJC Rpha 11 in size L fits under the seat, but only upside down and you have to push the seat down to shut it. You could get your gloves and a water bottle in there as well but I doubt I could fit my jacket. I really like the red color and I am considering trading my motorcycle for one

[@MotoJournoKris]

It's actually interesting how well it compares, especially being roomier. The only downside was I found the rear suspension quite harsh on some of our poorer roads, although that was more through national parks than general riding to be fair.

[@marsanfro]

Have you test in on the freeway?

[@Watson2108]

@@marsanfro Even worse, German Autobahn. It doesn‘t go much over 110kph or 70mph. That‘s why I chose the Xmax after all, cruising at 130 all day long with some more to give

[@davidt-gb9pz]

I think it’s a given to spend a little extra on both and swap the rear suspension out for an ohlins system.

[@Rally4Life1982]

If your only riding yourself around and don't do 100kmph zones the NMax. It can do 100k zones but its a push for longer rides with hills. Its also a breeze to filter on and will be on par to 60 with a fast car that is trying to beat you.

[@promise2153]

One of my favorite reviews of all times! New subscriber:) Excellent job!

[@MotoJournoKris]

Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for subbing!

[@michaely4165]

Thanks!

[@MotoJournoKris]

Cheers! That's a first for me!

[@rocketranger1000]

Depends on your driving environment. In town driving,the Nmax is the clear winner, bigger is not always better

[@MotoJournoKris]

Very true, have to pick the right bike for your use/conditions. No point buying the 'best' or biggest if it's not doing that.

[@davidt-gb9pz]

Spot on. NMax happy to cruise at 80. xMax over 100 nMax great city/ traffic bike

[@swamivandermerwe]

I am selling my wifes car to get a nmax or xmax ...cost of car ownership is getting too expensive😢 N max is muxh cheaper and hoping my wife can get on the back to go to shops and picnic spots at the rivers(i live in a mountainous area, low traffick)

[@MotoJournoKris]

Yep everything is getting really pricey these days. A scooter is a good way to offset that. They tend to be much more reasonable to keep on the road.

[@BreezyRider66]

A thoughtful, considered and comprehensive review, nice work...

[@MotoJournoKris]

Thanks!

[@tropicaldany9306]

I have always wondered what the differences are between the 2017-2020 models of the XMAX, except for the new colors they release every year.

[@MotoJournoKris]

Off the top of my head we haven't seen any big updates. It had ABS/TC, keyless starting, etc standard in 2017, so there's not much that's really been required since then.

[@tropicaldany9306]

Moto Journo Kris I have read rumors of the new XMAX 2021 that it will have a new or upgraded suspension and y connectivity, as well as a very minor design change. Let’s just hope they release it in October or November this yr.

[@MotoJournoKris]

@@tropicaldany9306 I think we'd have seen an announcement if it was going to happen in late 2020, but you never know for a 2021 release. EICMA would have been November, so there could be some late model news up until then.

[@chonomercy]

Hi there, Three years on since you made this, What are your thoughts now. Interested as I have sold my bike and thinking a scooter, I'm getting on in years but still want to ride.

[@MotoJournoKris]

I just had these two scooters for a test, so didn't have either long term to give more in depth thoughts on either, but we think we'll replace the 250 cc Aprilia scooter we had a number of years ago with probably a 300 cc option (or similar) in the next year, mainly because we need something two-up highway capable as one of our personal requirements. Even when we lived in the city we often needed to use motorways so I tend to lean towards the larger capacity options which excel there, but I think that's largely a riding and lifestyle consideration.

[@shaunroos6856]

Great review Kris, I need your help on this one. The XMax and NMax both have new versions out. I am looking at commuting once maybe twice a week to the CBD (Sydney), it's about 20km one way and primarily open road from the North. Question - Will the XMax 300 be an overkill or will the NMAx 155 be an under performer. The open road has a speed limit of 80km/hr.

[@MotoJournoKris]

I'd say the NMAX 155 would easily cover that for you, it's got quite a bit of pep for a 155 and is a bit easier to squeeze into tight spaces, whether filtering or parking. The XMAX is just a bit more of everything and a bit more luxurious in comparison, and if you were doing 110 km/h for longer distances it would pull ahead in the comparison.

[@11277mikey]

Great review mate!

[@petrisorw950]

What's your advice as a first scooter....should I start with NMAX 155 or go straight to XMAX? Tomorrow I need to get one, can't stand aside anymore 😁Thank you!

[@MotoJournoKris]

I really like the XMAX and I'd go with one of those if I was doing more high speed riding, like freeway, or more two-up and price wasn't a big consideration. The NMAX would be my pick just for suburban commuting is it was just me and I wanted to keep costs down.

[@darkelf1000]

My concern is seat height. I have the nmax 125 and can flat foot it nicely at 5ft.6in. Tall. But wonder if the xmax is too tall?

[@MotoJournoKris]

There is a fair bit of difference between the two, at 30 mm, although my wife had no issues on the XMax and she's a bit shorter than me. It's hard with a scooter as well, as depending where and how you sit on the seat will vary that reach to the ground.

[@shannonholyoak2650]

Hey Chris, thanks for the fantastic comparison. I’m contemplating getting an Nmax 155 and want to take the missus on some small adventures on our days off, so will be riding two up a couple of days a week and doing the grocery runs as well and we also live in the city. I’m currently riding a Kymco like 125, so I really like the smaller size of the nmax 155 and not entirely sure if I want the extra weight of the larger xmax and will be commuting 4 x weekly. Combined weight of rider + pillion around 135kg. Am open to getting xmax but which one do you recommend? Thanks for awesome reviews.

[@MotoJournoKris]

If you're doing longer two-up rides, I'd definitely go the XMax for the extra pillion comfort and performance. It is a bit of a trade off compared to how light the NMax is, and whether that's something you'll really miss on a daily basis. It's a bit of a compromise either way.

[@tristanfilipinasmd9786]

Nice and comprehensive review. But as a person whose height is only 5'1, I prefer Nmax :-)

[@MotoJournoKris]

Fair enough! The NMax is great value if you don't need the extra power, and plenty for normal everyday duties.

[@alexdesfase]

to go touring with another person on the same country (Poland) doing rides of 200-300km it's worth it? This travels will be done once a month, I WFH so I am not moving a lot, a bit of city nothing else. Its worth the XMAX or a NMAX will be okay?

[@MotoJournoKris]

For two-up riding, especially longer distances, I'd go the XMax, the NMax power is a bit more limited in power by comparison and there's better pillion room on the XMax. I found the XMax suspension a bit more forgiving in varied conditions as well.

[@Andytheevien]

Thanks for the great review. What do you recommend for a complete learner female 30 years old that's planning on replacing the car with this. I plan to buy a scooter for work, shopping and possibly traveling. Trying to see what is most suitable. Vespas and Piaggio was ony mind for the looks but comfort and safety have become more important as this would be a investment.

[@MotoJournoKris]

If you were just thinking the commute and maybe some shopping especially as a second vehicle, I'd lean towards the smaller NMax 155, it's very zippy and light and will also be a very easy starting point. But if you're considering travel and replacing a car, I'd definitely lean towards the XMax 300, as it's much more suitable for longer trips and even touring. Plus it's still great for shopping or the regular commute.

[@SacmnDoktoruSacmnDoktoru]

Which one more sporty ride or good handling?

[@MotoJournoKris]

The NMax is more agile and ideal for slipping through small gaps in the city and riding like that, but the extra power and the more planted feel of the XMax is a bit more like a motorcycle in your regular twisties.

[@e2e4au]

Could you please do a detailed review of a Kymco agility 16+ 300i

[@MotoJournoKris]

I'll have to see if I can get my hands on one!

[@brendanwoneill]

In terms of ease of repairs in Thailand at your average motorbike shop is this an issue when purchasing a yahama? Based on my experience it was a nightmare when my friends yahama seadoo would break down and they had to import spare parts from Japan.

[@MotoJournoKris]

From what I understand Yamaha are the second biggest seller of scooters in Thailand, second to Honda, although Honda do have a pretty significant advantage there. So you should be in a pretty decent position all things considered. I think the more luxury you go and the more limited the units, the more likely you are to have issues with parts being held locally, or there being lengthy delays for parts. Thailand is also one of the biggest scooter markets in the world, which should really help as well.

[@anthonydowling3356]

I had an NMax 155 cc in Thailand myself .No problem getting parts at the numerous Yamaha dealers.

[@sugarnads]

Yamaha scooters everywhere in thailand dude. Lots of knowledge

[@t8738b]

Hi Kris, appreciate the practical informative approach you take to your reviews. I look to be about the same size and weight as you and I like the ease of riding the more compact NMax (and the price). However, I live in a hilly semi rural location with plenty of bumpy and broken surface roads so I'm guessing the XMax will handle that much better with its larger wheels and softer suspension. What's your opinion? Cheers, Trevor.

[@MotoJournoKris]

I do think it would be a pretty decent improvement, the XMax suspension was definitely more plush and capable of handling the harsher road surfaces in comfort, where in some conditions the NMax struggled a bit on the very rutted surfaces.

[@rolandemmerich5993]

Surprisingly I felt better touring on my NMAX rather on an XMAX I borrowed for a ride test. Reasons: leg room and height. XMAX is higher and at 11kmh I felt a bit unbalanced...

[@MotoJournoKris]

It's interesting like that, the NMax is definitely roomier, although I could fit on either. I just found the really rough roads made the rear on the NMax quite harsh, where the XMax was much smoother.

[@rolandemmerich5993]

Sorry, I meant at 110kmh the XMaX feels a bit unbalanced. At least compared to the NMAX. My NMAX tops at 120kmh and some extra.

[@MotoJournoKris]

@@rolandemmerich5993 Oh interesting I found the XMax 300 rock solid past 130, the NMax much less so as it topped out. Although the 155 engine is definitely capable.

[@marsanfro]

Have you tried it a long freeway ride?

[@rolandemmerich5993]

@@marsanfro yeah, it's ok, but definitely a bigger engine is better

[@shannonholyoak2650]

Does anyone in the comments ride two up on the Nmax 155 and if so, what is it like ie: do you lose a lot of top speed?

[@guvnor1971]

Great review. Can I ask for peoples thoughts please? I am heading back to Australia having lived in the USA for 3 years. I want to use a motor-scooter for my 15km suburb-city commute instead of the train. I am in my 40's and despite having bicycled for many years, this would be my first ever time on motor-scooter or a motorbike. So the safety and ease of use of ABR/Traction/Auto-trans is a priority. I was initially looking at NMAX 155. But I weight 85kg, am 6'1" tall and would have laptop plus a change of clothes to bring in & out. My back doesn't like being jounced about, so I am thinking the XMAX is for me after hearing this review.

[@MotoJournoKris]

I'm a bit shorter than you (although I've got long legs) and did find the NMax was a bit more roomy for my feet/legs than the XMax, however I thought the XMax was more comfortable overall, with a larger seat and it's hard to beat the storage available. I also thought the suspension was a big step up on the XMax, but it is possible that a heavier rider would find the NMax a bit more planted with more weight over the rear. The ABS and TC are definitely welcome additions, and while both were great in the dry, I definitely prefered the XMax in the wet, and was kind of surprised they run the same tyre. All that said the NMax is still really hard to beat value-wise for short inner city running around, and you probably need to worry less about TC with less power.

[@ronaldlien9337]

NMAX....owned one here in Colombia, South America for 2 years...great scooter...good storage...great mileage...

[@ufind6048]

Jason, the Nmax is very powerful up to over 110 km/h due to the excellent gearing. I pull away from cars and any 125 scooters easily at lights. As for storage, it is almost the same as the Xmax, and you can just add a top box if you want more. The most surprising thing I have found about it is how comfortable the seating position is. I am your height, 90 kg and older and have been riding motorcycles for decades, but absolutely love my Nmax. One thing I am happy I did was upgrade the suspension, although next time I would install even better shocks.

[@Darius_Juknevicius]

@@ufind6048 I agree with you, have nmax 125 for almost 2 years (15k. Km) drive a lot here in small island (Malta) happy over performance, fuel efficiency, even speed is no problem. One minor thing is the same as everyone says - suspension(yes is hard on the back) . Now looking to buy 2021 model with 155cc, and for sure it more than enough, depends of your needs, but here in small island is better then Xmax. Plus u save some money.

[@existentialcrisis9757]

With third wave of Coronavirus hitting many cities, public transport must be avoided at any cost.

[@linoalbeusnardo6673]

Anyone wants to swap my aerox v2 abs version to a xmax? 😢😂 im just too big for my aerox, 6’2 100kg person

[@ozandiken]

About the cost of keeping you reckon Nmax will be cost effective such as tyres oil change. Etc best from Netherlands 🇳🇱 ❤😂

[@MotoJournoKris]

I'd definitely guess so, less power should mean better tyre wear, and the smaller capacity machines generally are cheaper to service, which all adds up.

[@yuliagri5554]

👍